~Myrr, an ancient world that has existed since time immemorial. A world ruled by the immortal beasts known as Dragons, and their allies the Giants and Demons. Long ago, they ruled with impunity, terrorizing and dominating the other races of Myrr. But then, within the lesser races, a deviant class with the power of Magic running through their veins. One fateful day, one such Spell Blood fought back against his Dragon pursuer, and using his power was able to sever the horn from a Dragon. Upon lifting the horn, it began to glow blue with magical energy. Using it as a lance, he drove it into the Dragon's chest, and killed it. He returned to his tribe, who all attempted to lift the horn. However, no matter who touched it, only those with Spell Blood could lift it. To all others, the horn lance seemed to weigh tons. However, to Spell Blooded ones, it only weight the same weight as a stick. With the strength of Spell Blood and weapons forged from the bones and scales of their foes, they challenged the Dragons and their allies for dominion over the planet. Under the leadership of Mystic King Garlith, the humans and their Spell Blooded knights and warriors defeated the Dragons, Giants, and Demons. They drove the Giants into the mountains and vast forests of the North. The Demons were hunted down and exterminated, none remaining by the end of the war. The Dragons were hunted to near extinction, only a few powerful ones remaining. Thus dawned the Age of Magic. An age ruled by Man and its allies, the Drow, the Kong, The Ogres, and the Mag-Theron Half Giants. The people enjoyed an era of peace and prosperity under Garlith and his champions, Sir Eddard and the seven Brave Companions. Eddard, a powerful Spell Blood Knight wielding a Fae Circle, a powerful catalyst used to cast the Sorceries used by Myrrish Spell Bloods, as well as the Dragon Bone blade Estoc, designed to not only slash but also pierce. Among Eddard's Brave Companions was Shagga Giants-Bane of the northern Crag Men, famous for using his catch pole made from Dragon Iron to catch and tear the legs off Giants and sunder them to the ground. There was also Dolph the Wyvern Hunter, a blind Ogre archer who used a greatbow as tall as he was made from a Dragon's spine as well as arrows made from Elder Trees and honed with dragon bone arrowheads to shoot down Dragons from hundreds of yards away. There was Kai the Stinger, who used her Plague-Touched Dragonbone daggers to lay waste to the kingdom's foes from the shadows. There was Wyald the Crazed, a Kong berserker who wiped out an entire legion of Demons using two of the Demons' own axes. Then came Iron Belwas from the Eastern Lands, who wore Dragon Iron armor and wielded a Dragon Iron greatsword and vast round shield the size of a vault door, made famous for holding an entire small dukedom on his own against a vast army of over three thousand Dragons, Giants, and Demons on his own. Finally came the lovers Executioner Forcestus and Ember the Ceaseless Flame. Forcestus was a Mag-Theron mute who crushed his enemies with his vast wheel spiked with Dragon Bone spines. Ember, a Demon sorceress who betrayed her own, wielding her Fire Sorceries embuned in Fae Circle chakrams to burn her enemies to dust. Under these great heroes, the kingdom prospered. It was then that Mystic King Garlith was blessed with a daughter, Princess Ciaren. As the years passed, Ciaren grew to be a kind and beautiful young woman as well as a powerful sorceress. The kingdom flourished under the Royal Family, Ciaren acting as their beacon of light. But, with every light, there is a shadow. Groff Dark, a primeval human who existed long before the Dragon Wars, became enamored by Princess Ciaren. To keep his daughter away from Groff, Garlith hid her deep within a tower in the Capital City of Silvenheim. However, even the magics of Silvenheim could not keep Groff Dark from his prize. In the dead of night, he reached out through the darkness and spirited the princess away. Garlith was frantic. He immediately sent Eddard and his Brave Companions to save Ciaren from the clutches of Groff Dark and his vast shadow realm of Null. However, such knights had nary a murmur of Null. Eddard made a pact with the beasts of Null so he could traverse its shadows and confront Groff Dark. Thus, he would forever be known as Eddard, Conqueror of Null. He entered, leaving his Companions behind. However, while Null did retreat, Eddard never returned. And so, the Brave Companions went their separate ways. Now, whispers of dark creatures emerging from the blackness have spread. Tales of evil beasts and hollowed souls screaming in pain...and the whispering of names long forgotten....~

Argyle: *the boy is a human of about 16 years old, with sandy brown hair and the start of a beard around his chin. He is wearing a tan doublet with matching pants and boots, an iron dagger strapped to his hip as he stands out in front of his uncle's estate. Argyle is the only nephew of Odin Crewn, a Spell Knight who fought in the Dragon Wars. As Argyle wandered the grounds of the estate, he watched the a few of the Ogre workers that minded the grounds stamp about with their tools and buckets. The ogres were about eight feet tall, small for their kind, and spoke in deep voices. They had dark purple skin the color of violets with large green eyes. One of them had stone grey hair while the other had a dull cyan color to his hair. Argyle could hear them arguing over who drank the last grog of mead last night at the local tavern. He grinned as he walked past them and made his way to his uncle's main house. As he entered, the smell of food cooking in the hearth in the kitchen for lunch filled his nose. Roasted quail, one of his favorites. As he walked down the hall towards his uncle's study, he passed the glass case that held his uncle's armor and weapon. His armor was a shining set of Mag-Theron forged steel imbued with many different runes that would glow whenever Odin touched them. His weapon, however, was the most impressive thing in the display. A vast Dragon fang at least half a foot taller than Argyle, with the bottom of it carved into a handle so the fang could be used as a club. It was said that Odin had crushed the head of a large Knucker Drake with it in one swing. Argyle never doubted that. Even if being Spell-Blooded meant that Odin could lift the fang like it was nothing, Odin was still a vast man. Argyle entered his uncle's study to find him sitting at his chair, reading a book about a hero who single-handedly slew a Drakon Serpent. His uncle was a tall human with grey hair receding back to form a widow's peak, but spiked back to still keep a savage appearance. His uncle sported a long beard which he braided and kept tied off at the bottom. He wore a red finery doublet with black satin pants and black sued shoes. Argyle stood there for a bit, waiting for his uncle to notice his presence so as to not disturb him*

Odin: *he looks up from his book and smiles at Argyle. His voice is rough, but kindly* Ah, Argyle. How are you today, my boy?

Argyle: I am fine, Uncle. *he smiles* By the way, I was wondering if I could possibly go to the village today? I hear that Master Gadrin and his traveling group of mummers are in town and are putting on a performance.

Odin: Ah, Gadrin and his Kong Mummers...Very well. Go and have fun, Argyle. But first, be a good lad and fetch me my lunch? I'm feeling a bit peckish and I can smell that quail.

Argyle: Yes, Uncle. *he turns around and walks out towards the kitchen. After returning with a leg of quail and a flagon of wine, he then looks back at his uncle* Um...Uncle?

Odin: *he bites into the leg and looks up* Hm?

Argyle: Do you think...I might be Spell-Blooded, like you?

Odin: *he chuckles* And what makes you think that?

Argyle: Well, I've been thinking of trying out your old Dragon Fang...

Odin: HA! You are not ready for such a burden!

Argyle: But when will I be, Uncle?!

Odin: *he sighs and stands up. He then walks over to Argyle and rests his hand on his shoulder* Your father was Spell-Blooded, but my sister was not. The odds of you being Spell-Blooded are slim. However, I'll see about getting you tested when you are ready.

Argyle: And how will you know when I'm ready?

Odin: First...*he lightly taps Argyle's forehead with his finger* Learn to use this...then, *he points to the Dragon Fang in the case* I'll teach you to wield this.

Argyle: *he looks down, but nods. His uncle has never been wrong about these things before*

Argyle: *Odin's estate sits on the outskirts of Garuda, a village built on the windswept plains some fifty miles from the capital city, on the edge of the forest of Sanctus Hollow. The village is decently sized, with about 40 houses, a market place, and a few farms and vineyards dotting the outskirts. The houses are cobblestone and wood, giving a rustic yet home-like feeling in the atmosphere. In the market, peddlers of all walks call out the quality of their wares. Argyle passes a wine merchant from the eastern lands, selling a clear yet potent-smelling drink said to not only be a delicious spirit, but also a cure for various ailments. He passes a Kong toy crafter, preaching the quality of his wood-carved products to the parents of various children that run around the stall and ask to look at the different toys. He also passes a Mag-Theron blacksmith, describing the sturdiness of a greatshield and the sharpness of a blade that he is attempting to sell to one of his sellsword clients. Finally, Argyle arrives to the Village Square, where the mummers are setting up their stage. He spies the leader of the mummers, Master Gadrin, a tall and lanky Drow wearing a top hat and torn up coat with white blouse and brown pants, yelling to one of the Ogres that is setting up the stage by hammering a post into the ground with his bare hand*

Master Gadrin: *his voice is lively yet commanding, with a slight accent to it like many other Drow. His skin is an inky dark green with warm yet strong blue eyes.* HURRY UP! WE HAVE TO DRAW THE CURTAIN IN THIRTY MINUTES! IF I MISS THIS SHOW, I'LL HAVE YOUR SHRUNKEN HEAD!

Argyle: *he takes a seat on one of the various benches and waits patiently. A half hour passes and the stage is set! Music begins to play from the large musical organ that one Ogre from the troupe is grinding. Finally, the crowd gathers and the curtain draws. Standing there is Master Gadrin, in a brand new coat and hat.*

Master Gadrin: *he bows and grins wide for the audience* Ladies and Gentlemen of Garuda, boys and girls of all ages, I welcome you to our beloved stage! Here, we shall show you comedy, suspense, action, and drama! So prepare yourselves, dear friends, for the show goes on! *he bows and walks off the stage. The play begins and out walk two male Kongs in dresses. They begin arguing like two ornery fishwives and talk in faked high-pitched voices. The crowd erupts in a fury of laughter. Argyle can't help but laugh at the farce the mummers make. A large ogre in a dragon costume thunders onto the stage and dances, making the dragon appear more comical than ferocious. The Kong mummers scream in high pitch and pretend to faint. Then, a Drow mummer dressed in paper mache armor jumps out and begins a comical chase with the dragon. The crowd continues laughing. As the play draws on, the sun sets and night begins. It is near the end of the play and the knight mummer is about to kiss one of the Kongs, when suddenly a scream echoes out in the distance.*

Argyle: *he and the crowd immediately looks out behind them and in runs a Drow woman, covered in cuts and bruises. She is crying hysterically and her cloths are torn*

Argyle: *he looks where the woman looks and sees a vast wall of black smoke rolling towards the town. Out from it stream large tendrils of shadow. As the tendrils become clearer, they take the shape of humanoids with long arms and claws and short legs with bloated, monstrous heads. The humanoids cackle and run like apes as they stumble and roll out of the darkness. One woman screams and a man yells for help as the creatures leap into the crowd and begin tearing people apart. Argyle yells and runs away as one of the creatures sets its eyes on him. Horrible, red glowing eyes that reflect only madness. Argyle runs and runs, heading back towards his uncle's estate. When he arrives, however, he finds the estate burning. He sees the two ogre servants laying in the fields, dead and torn up by claws. He hears a loud crash and runs towards the burning remains of his uncle's house* UNCLE! UNCLE ODIN! *he arrives and sees Odin, standing there surrounded by the creatures that attacked the village. He is cut up and bleeding, but he holds his Dragon Fang and swings down, crushing one creature like a bug with a sickening crunch. The other creatures leap to the side to avoid the attack and all leap at him*

Odin: YOU UNDISCIPLINED FOOL! *he swings the tooth around and catches all of the creatures, crushing them against the weight of the fang. He looks over and sees Argyle standing there* ARGYLE! RUN LAD! SAVE YOURSELF!

Argyle: I'm not leaving without you, Uncle!

Odin: DAMMIT, BOY, I SAID RUN! *he hears footsteps behind him. He turns around and sees more black smoke walking towards him. Out from it walks two knights wearing armor that appears to be caved in, giving them a starved and skinny appearance. He readies his fang* Alright, spawn of the dark...FACE THE MIGHT OF ODIN! *he charges at them, the fang in both hands as he attempts to slam it onto one of the knights*

Shadow Knight: *he parries the fang away and stabs Odin through the chest. His partner walks over and stabs Odin through the back and they both toss him aside. The Dragon Fang rolls out of Odin's hand and lands near Argyle's feet. The two knights look at the fang then up at Argyle and begin slowly walking towards him*

Argyle: *every feeling in his body tells him to run. To hide. To close his eyes and wish that all of this wasn't real. But then, he looks down at the fang and reaches for it. He grips the handle and suddenly the fang glows brightly. Blue runes form on it and Argyle heaves it up as easily as he would a toy sword. He grips it with both hands and stands defiantly against the knights. The two knights seemed surprised by this and ready their swords.*

Shadow Knight: *the knight on the left gestures to his comrade and steps forward, his comrade stepping back to observe. Argyle brings the Dragon Fang up and slams down at the knight, but the knight blocks with his blade. However, the Dragon Fang glows blue and the weight seems to increase as the knight is forced to crouch while blocking. Argyle brings the fang back again and keeps slamming until the knight's guard breaks. Argyle then brings the fang back and swings from the side, smashing the knight in the side and flinging it into the fire of the blazing estate. The second knight immediately dashes at Argyle, his sword poised for the kill. Argyle has no time to react. However, right as the blade is about to stab Argyle, a flash appears behind the knight and the knight stops, a long fang-like sword sticking out from the side of his head. Holding the sword is a Drow knight riding a black Charger horse and wearing boiled black Dragon leather and a black Dragon Iron full helm with matching boots and gauntlets. The blade he wields is a long fang with a blackened handle, serving as a long rapier. A green liquid drips from the tip sticking out of the knight's head. The Drow Knight kicks the Shadow Knight off the blade and swings it forward, signalling for his comrades to charge*

Drow Knight: ATTACK! *from behind him, a force of about fourteen knights ride out on horseback, crashing into the strange beings as well as any Shadow Knights that appeared in the village. The Drow Knight hops off his horse, his rapier ready. A group of strange beings charge at him, but he flashes forward. When he stops, he is holding the blade lightly. A blue and green thread of energy shines through each of the beings, seeming to connect them. The knight taps the rapier's handle, stopping it from vibrating. As soon as he does, the beings explode full of holes. The knight swipes the sword and then sheaths it. A Kong wearing a full iron suit of armor wielding a Dragon Iron longsword rides up to him*

Kong Knight: Ser Zorrin! The enemy is being chased back!

Zorrin: *he glances up* Where is Loria?

Kong Knight: She leads our charge, ser!

Zorrin: Excellent. Give no quarter to these wretched beings. *he looks over at Argyle, who is panting and near the point of collapsing* Oh...*he starts walking towards Argyle*

Zorrin: Calm down, boy. And put that thing down before you hurt yourself. Your body is starting to go into Sorcerial Hyperventilation. If you don't turn down the power you have flowing into that fang, you'll do permanent damage to your body...

Argyle: I said...stay...*his eyes roll to the back of his head and he falls over*

Zorrin: You see? Ser Hue, go find Loria and tell her to get this boy out of here.

Hue: *the Kong nods* Who do you think he is, sir?

Zorrin: I'm not sure...

Argyle: Uncle...Odin...

Zorrin: Uncle? *he looks around* I see...This was Odin's estate...*he looks over and sees Odin's body* Odin the Crusher....*he walks over and kneels to the corpse. He moves his hand over Odin's eyes, closing them* You deserved a better death than this, old friend...*he glances over at Hue* Well? Get to it. Find Loria. And bring a detachment here to help bury Ser Odin. He deserves...at least a proper farewell.

*Upon arriving, Hue finds a beautiful young Myrr girl clad in full iron that fits neatly to her form. Her long brown hair dances as she brandishes her Greataxe and cracks down onto one of the creature's heads, cleaving it entwine and allowing her to focus on the other's surrounding her. She is young, about 17 years of age and wears a small headband with a native design about it. She is Loria Craronte, faithful servant to the Myrrian people and student to the great knight Zorrin. She growls as more of the creature's leap at her and she slams one of her palms onto the ground, a large pale green magic circle appearing and letting loose a gust of wind, blowing them all into the air as she raises her Greataxe and leaps up. In one fluid motion she spins through the air with her Greataxe, quickly cutting through most of the creature's in no time. Upon landing she readies her Greataxe in front of her as more of them appear*

Hue: *he rides up, a few Knights behind him that jump in to give Loria some cover* Loria! Orders from Ser Zorrin! You are to report to him and evacuate the only survivor! It is Odin the Crusher's nephew! He's a Spell Blood! Ser Zorrin is currently holding the enemy at bay and protecting the boy, but he's unconscious! You must hurry! We will deal with the rest of the enemy! The battle is already done!

Loria: *She nods quickly, sheathes her Greataxe onto her back and gives a loud whistle. A horse gallops up to her side and she promptly hops aboard the beast's back. She turns to Hue* I leave this in your hands Hue! *With a cry and a snap of the reigns Loria rides off to Zorrin's side. It does not take her long to reach him and she pulls back onto the reigns, causing her horse to give a loud cry as it rears backwards and stops completely. She quickly hops off and lets loose a thin burst of wind blades from her palms, cutting through some of the creature's in her way as she runs over to Zorrin* Master Zorrin! Where is the boy I was sent to secure?

Zorrin: *she finds him sitting on a giant pile of enemy corpses, his sword resting in the ground with his hands on the hilt. Argyle is laying on the ground in front of him, breathing steadily but shivering* He's here. *he stands up and walks past Loria calmly* I'll end this myself. You just get him out of here. Meet us on the eastern road in five minutes. By then, the enemy will be annihilated. After this, we're returning to Silvenheim...

Loria: *Knowing better than to argue with Zorrin, Loria nods and sheathes her Greataxe. She goes over to Argyle and picks him up and into her arms, walking back over to her horse. She sets Argyle onto it carefully before hopping onto it herself and putting Argyle's arms around her neck so that he's sitting up. With a final nod to Zorrin she gives a cry and a snap of the reign's before riding off in the direction of the eastern road. She finds an abandoned home near her objective and stops there, taking Argyle off of the horse and carrying him inside. Finding a small bedroom, she carefully lays him down there and lays her Greataxe against the wall. With a breath of exhaustion she slides down the wall of the room and sits down next to her Greataxe, waiting for her time to go back to Silvenheim*

Zorrin: *he and his company are finally arriving back to Silvenheim. Its a vast city with sprawling white stone buildings and a vast palace in the very center of the city. As they ride through the streets, The people cheer for them*

Drow Citizen: SER ZORRIN IS BACK!

Kong Citizen: SER ZORRIN THE THREADER!

Ogre: HAIL, SER ZORRIN AND HIS COMPANY!

Zorrin: *he looks back at Loria and Argyle. He speaks directly to Hue while still looking back* How long has the boy been unconscious?

Hue: Four days now, ser.

Zorrin: I see....Sorcerical Hyperventilation can truly be a horrible experience... Go on ahead. I must have words with Loria...*his horse begins to drop back so he can ride next to Loria* Loria, I have a favor to ask of you, though it is something that I do not ask lightly...

Zorrin: The boy is in shock due to Sorcerical Hyperventilation. This means his own power is draining his strength. His body can no longer warm itself at this point...Until he awakens, which should be in about two days, I need you to keep him warm. When he wakes, tell me. I and the rest of the Royal Order will want a word with him on what transpired in that village....*he glances at her, his eyes stern yet soft* I know that keeping a man warm is the duty of a woman, not a knight, but saving the life of a potential comrade is knightly too....remember that, Loria.

Loria: *She instantly blushes in rose red as she hears of Zorrin's request. She looks back at Argyle before returning her gaze back to Zorrin* I-I suppose I could do so......but are you certain that you will not require anything of me in my absence?

Zorrin: No. *his gaze remains stern, but still soft* You fought well, Loria. You're on your way to becoming a knight. But the boy must live through this...and for that he needs you. He is the only one that can link those creatures to what happened at his village. Without him, we're lost until those things decide to attack again. Now, tend to him while I meet with the rest of the Royal Knights...I have no doubt that Leroy and Phobos will want to hear more about what we encountered...*he rides off towards the palace, his charger galloping full speed down the street*

Hue: *he scratches his head and looks over at Loria* Ser Zorrin sure can be demanding...

Loria: *She nods slowly, still blushing in rose red* Please excuse me. *She pats her horse's face and gently motions it in the direction of her home. Before long she has tied her horse into its stall and carefully put Argyle into her bed. With a sigh of exhaustion Loria sheds her armor and puts on a very striking white nightgown before going over to where Argyle laid in her bed. She blushes into rose red again and hesitates before finally gulping and climbing into the bed with him nervously. Her inexperience is quickly overshadowed though as her instincts kick in and she holds Argyle close to her before promptly shutting her eyes and resting*

Zorrin: *he enters into a large chamber with a round table. Sitting at it are two other Knights, one is clad in dragon bone armor with a giant Dragon Iron morning star strapped to his back. The other is wearing a grey Dragon Leather suit of armor with a dragon iron helm and dragon feather shoulder coverings. Zorrin sits down across from them. First, he addresses the Knight with the morning star* Ser Leroy...*he then addresses the knight with the feathers* Ser Phobos...I have returned from patrol.

Phobos: We understand that your company came across something interesting...do tell, Zorrin.

Leroy: We heard a whole village was razed to the ground by an unknown force...

Zorrin: Indeed. They were strange beings, alright...and leading them were Knights.

Leroy: Huh?!

Phobos: Knights...are you sure?

Zorrin: They both killed Odin the Crusher...But one was felled by Odin's nephew. I killed the other. But they were indeed knights. They wore full Dragon Iron.

Phobos: I see...this is most troubling. Where did they come from?

Zorrin: We aren't sure. The beasts and Knights were incapable of speech. We slaughtered all of them before they could retreat. A fitting form of vengeance and justice for the innocent lives that were stolen.

Leroy: And what of this nephew of Odin's?

Zorrin: He is in the care of my apprentice, Loria. He accidentally sent his body into Sorcerial Hyperventilation. I don't think he has control over his power yet...He must have only just discovered it. But still, he felled one of those knights. I examined the body...It was crushed beyond recognition. That boy has an even deeper connection to the Dragon Fang used by Odin than Odin himself.

Leroy: Do you plan to teach him, Zorrin?

Zorrin: Only if he wishes....

Phobos: Loria...I'm surprised you took a woman on as your apprentice, Zorrin. I thought women belonged at home with children or in taverns serving real knights...

Zorrin: Kai the Stinger and Ember the Ceaseless Flame are both women, Phobos...Do they belong in a tavern or at a home caring for children and the needs of men?

Phobos: ...a just point. But Loria-

Zorrin: Is just as much a worthy warrior as any apprentice you could sire. At least she isn't too proud to do her duty to those she saves. When the boy wakes, Loria and I will bring him here so you might hear his side of the story. But for now, he will remain with her and she will remain at peace...WITHOUT you two or your apprentices harassing her. Defy this, and the King will know why you feel the need to disrespect the pupils of your fellow Knights.

Leroy: *he chuckles* Always the serious one, Zorrin.

Phobos: *he sighs, sounding bored* Very well...

Zorrin: *he rises and bows* Gentlemen...*he turns and walks out*

~That night~

Argyle: *he feels warmth around him and his eyelids become lighter. They slowly flutter open, his vision still blurred. Wherever he was, he was in a bed and something warm was holding him. He glances over and is face to face with a beautiful girl. His cheeks suddenly get hot as he jolts back, surprised* Huh?!

Loria: *She feels the shifting of Argyle's body next to her and her eyes slowly open. Seeing that he's awake, she instantly blushes and sits bolt upright before remembering who he was. Remembering this, she took a deep breath and relaxed her shoulders* Good then you're finally awake. Hold for a moment. *She reaches over to his forehead and puts her palm against it, feeling for any signs of sickness. She was trusted with his care after all. Best not to let Master Zorrin down*

Argyle: Um...who are you? *suddenly, he remembers what happened* MY VILLAGE! *he bolts out of the bed, looking around* THOSE MONSTERS! AND THOSE TWO KNIGHTS! UNCLE ODIN! *suddenly, he remembers the two knights killing Odin and his shoulders slump* He's dead...But that other knight that appeared...

Hue: *his voice rings out from the doorway* That was Ser Zorrin the Threader, Royal Knight of the kingdom of Myrr, and leader of our company. *he is leaning in the doorway, a slightly cheeky grin on his face. Now, Argyle could get a good look at Hue. He was about five and a half feet tall, wearing a suit of iron armor save for the gauntlets and boots. His features appear to be that of an orangutan, with his body covered in orange fur and having dark skin on his face and hands. His feet, like with all Kong, also resemble hands. His teeth are sharp in the front, but his molars are completely flat. Strapped to his hip is a Dragon Iron longsword.* And the girl that you just woke up to so abruptly is Loria, Ser Zorrin's one and only apprentice. Still, I'm surprised you're awake so soon. Ser Zorrin predicted that you would be out for at least another day or two.

Argyle: *he glances around, unsure of his surroundings* But where am I? And who are you?

Hue: My name is Ser Hue. No title, haven't earned on yet. As for where you are, you're in Silvenheim, in the Royal Knights district that serves as barracks to the Knights and their apprentices. Loria here was kind enough to let you stay here at her house.

Argyle: If this is her house, how did you get in?

Hue: *he holds up a key* Ser Zorrin gave me a spare key so I could check on you two and make sure you were alright. Now, you must be hungry, boy. After all, you've been asleep for near five days now. I'll call down some servants to prepare stew and bread, something light since no doubt your stomach shrank in that time. And sweet water to help wash it down. *he turns to leave, but gives one last cheeky grin at Loria* By the way, Loria...nice nightgown. Almost makes me wish I had gotten Sorcerical Hyperventilation! *he cackles in a monkey-like laugh and walks out*

Loria: *She blushes brightly and tries to argue but no words come to her before he can leave. She grumbles to herself* Cheeky monkey.... *She gets up and out of the bed before turning back to Argyle* I feel like I should be more formally dressed to introduce myself to you but....my name is Loria Craronte. I am the one who was charged by Master Zorrin with your safety and well-being. Pleasure to meet you.

Loria: *She sighs and looks at Argyle sympthetically* Your village is fine for now as is Ser Odin's Dragon Fang. As for what happened......we're not sure ourselves. We defended the village to the last and won. That is all that matters. *She goes and retrieves a cloak from her closet and drapes Argyle in it. It feels very warm* You should rest more. If you are hungry I am happy to cook for you but it will only be something light. Your body needs to recover from your illness.

Argyle: *he nods and holds the cloak tightly, letting the warmth sink in. Out in the kitchen area near the entrance, voices are heard*

Phobos: ...only one. Out of over seventy villagers, your company could save only one boy!? You're losing your touch, Zorrin. Now, I must question the boy.

Zorrin: And I say you will do no such thing until he's made his full recovery. The boy just lost everything he knows and loves! For pity's sake, Phobos! You're a knight! Act like one and show some compassion!

Phobos: You seem very eager to defend this boy, Zorrin....

Zorrin: His uncle Odin was a very dear friend of mine. Of course I would worry about the boy's well being!

Phobos: *he opens the door to Loria's room, his robe-like armor shining in light from the window* The longer we wait, the more information we might lose! *he looks over at Argyle. He removes his helm, revealing himself to be a Myrrian man with long white hair and a white goatee. His eyes are blue and very judging.* So, you must be Odin's nephew, Argyle...*he steps in, a clearly agitated Zorrin behind him* So then, boy...would you mind telling me how an entire village is wiped out and you are the only survivor?

Zorrin: It is as I said, he wielded the Dragon Fang! He's a spell blood, like us! He has potential to become one of our brothers!

Phobos: You are not the one being questioned, Ser Zorrin. As His Majesty's Grand Inquisitor, it is my job to find the truth in all things.

Zorrin: So you're putting a newly-orphaned boy through an inquisition?! This is beyond cruel, Phobos!

Phobos: *he glares daggers at Zorrin* His Majesty's need for the truth does not know the difference between kind and cruel, only the truth. Remember this, Royal Knight. Or you'll find yourself on the end of my inquest as well.

Zorrin: Why you puffed-up ignorant-

Hue: *he holds Zorrin back a bit* Calm down, ser!

Phobos: Listen to your subordinate, Zorrin...He seems to be at least wiser than you...*he turns his attention back to Argyle* Now, how did you survive, boy? Tell it all and tell it true. It is a great crime to lie to the Grand Inquisitor.

Argyle: ...I ran...I ran as fast as I could when the beast came out from the blackness....

Phobos: Blackness?

Argyle: Black, smoke-like shadow that flowed from the woods like a wave...They charged out and killed everyone...I ran for my uncle's estate...but these strange knights and more of those beasts were already there...they...they killed my uncle....I picked up his Dragon Fang...I wanted to live...so I attacked one of the strange knights...I hit him as hard as I could...I don't know what happened...Then, Ser Zorrin and Loria saved me...I don't remember anything else...

Phobos: Hmmm...Strange....Very strange....

Zorrin: ...*he stands silent, waiting for Phobos' decision*

Phobos: *his eyes soften slightly* He is telling the truth. My power confirms it. *he glances back at Zorrin* The boy shall be left in the care of you and your apprentice. See to it that he is either made useful, or sent to safety. You have until the end of the week to reach a decision. After that, he will become property of the kingdom and will be sent to be trained as a soldier. We could always use a good pair of arms at the Southern Blockade....

Zorrin: *he clenches his fist* Fine...You would twist the arm of a boy and a fellow knight? I'll play your game, Phobos...*he looks at Argyle* Argyle...I know this is shocking to you, but you must rest and restore your strength...starting in two days time, you will be my new apprentice alongside Loria. Welcome to the Order of Knight Sorcerers. *he looks back at Phobos* Happy?

Phobos: *he does not grin and his eyes remain hard* Thrilled. *he looks back at Argyle* Keep on your toes, boy. I will be watching your career with great....interest....*he walks out of the house*

Zorrin: If I were not a sworn knight...

Hue: Ser...

Zorrin: *he looks over at Loria, then at Argyle, then Hue* I'll be at my keep outside the city. When the boy is recovered, bring him to me. *he looks back at Argyle* I will make you into a knight, boy...even if it kills me. *he storms out, the conversation with Phobos clearly having put him in a bad mood*

Loria: *She looks over to Argyle* Do not mind Ser Phobos too much. I had the same when I came here. Now..... *She gives him gentle eyes* I'm going into the kitchen to cook. If you need anything just speak your mind. I will do my best to take care of you for the time being. *She gets up and goes into the kitchen area, quickly finding the required things that she needs and begins to cook. Moments later, she comes back in with two small bowl's of some very aromatic stew. The stew has bits of steamed apple's lightly dusted with cinnamon and some slight amount of vegetables mixed in. Loria hands one to Hue and another to Argyle* It's fruit stew. It's hot so sip it slowly for now. *Setting her own bowl onto a table, Loria goes back into the kitchen and comes out with three goblets of sweet water, handing one to Hue and another to Argyle before going back to her own bowl of stew and eating. It is very sweet and very tasty, the bits of cinnamoned apple's only adding to the flavor*

Hue: *he chugs the soup greedily. After draining his bowl, he smiles wide and licks his lips* Delicious as usual, Loria! You're always a fair cook! *he looks at Argyle and his expression softens a bit* Yeah...Ser Phobos is pretty brutal...But you're one of us now, so you should cheer up a bit! *Argyle doesn't move* Hmmm....you know, most of us in Zorrin's company are a lot like you...

Argyle: *he glances at Hue* How?

Hue: My mother, the only parent I ever knew, was eaten by a giant. I was fifteen when it happened. Ser Zorrin killed the giant and tested me to see if I was Spell Blooded. When I was revealed to be, he took me in. He said that even if I wasn't, he'd see that I was taken care of. That is the kind of man Ser Zorrin is.

Argyle: *he looks at his soup and nods softly* He seems very noble and brave...But, hardened as well...

Hue: That's because Zorrin has seen things. Things that most people would have nightmares the rest of their lives about....*he looks at Loria* Loria here was also rescued by Ser Zorrin.

Loria: *She doesn't speak for a moment, just staring into her bowl of stew for a while before finally speaking without looking at anyone* .....I....I was taken from my parents when I was young. I never got the chance to know them. Before long I was placed into a Myrrian Trafficking ring and was sold time and time again to.... *she tears up a bit but musters her strength to continue her story* .....fulfill the desires of my owners.....It was.....it was so despicable! But then....Master Zorrin found me. *She keeps staring into her bowl, wiping the tears from her eyes* He found me....and busted the ring. Even gave me the courage and the tools to stand up for myself and fight back. *She finally looks up at Argyle* I owe Master Zorrin nothing short of mine own life Argyle. To give him anything less would be disrespectful to everything he's done for me. He gave me everything I could have ever wanted and more. My shame is that I cannot live a long enough life to repay him for everything he's done for me.

Argyle: *after hearing the story, Argyle can't help but look into his bowl and think hard on what Loria and Hue said*

Hue: And...Ser Zorrin also has experienced great loss.

Argyle: *he looks over at Hue again*

Hue: Ser Zorrin hates us talking about it, but his whole family was slaughtered when his village was attacked by a thunder of Dragons.

Argyle: A thunder?

Hue: The term used for a group of Dragons. They're called a thunder because the sound of all their wings beating sounds like thunder. Anyway, his whole family was burned alive...His mother, father, brothers, sisters, wife, and kids...all of them. So, he charged at the first Dragon he saw, a large Cave Dragon, and ripped its tooth out with his bare hands. Using it as a rapier, he killed every single Dragon that stood against him, since the Cave Dragon's tooth was poisoned. Now, he uses this "Drake Threader" as his primary weapon. So you see, Argyle, we're all like you. We know you're pain.

Argyle: *he thinks for a few minutes, then takes a drink of the water and takes a large gulp of soup* I'll get stronger...I'm going to get stronger, so I can stop what happened to me from happening to anybody else. I'll wield the Dragon Fang like my uncle did...And I'll help keep Myrr safe from those things in the darkness...I promise...I will become a Knight!